tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105574149217328982024-02-02T01:43:58.412-05:00Rustic RetrievalsRustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-66697171312284172122014-02-08T20:17:00.006-05:002014-03-02T13:10:05.801-05:00Exciting start to 2014!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a wonderful start to 2014! One of the most exciting things is that I have actually set up a new website and moved my blog to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rusticretrievals.com/">www.rusticretrievals.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So please join me there to see not only my blog, but Home Decor Services I offer and to learn more about both myself and Rustic Retrievals!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for your ongoing support!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ardis - RR</span></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-72655460290194008782013-12-31T12:10:00.001-05:002013-12-31T12:10:53.659-05:00Cheers to 2013! <div style="text-align: justify;">
2013 has been a year to remember...full of many wonderful moments, surrounded by friends and family!</div>
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Cheers to a year that has brought me many unbelievable memories, helped remind me who I am and allowed me to express and share my gratitude! </div>
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Here's a lil compilation of some of my favorite memories of 2013.....</div>
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I hope you have a chance today, to sit down and reflect on 2013 and also look forward to 2014! As I look forward, I can tell you there will be lots of new things with Rustic Retrievals for the year ahead...STARTING TOMORROW!!</div>
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Thank you to all my friends, family and clients for your support this year! I couldn't do it without you!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RR</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**All images are property of Ardis McDonald - Rustic Retrievals</span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-5428708804390052592013-12-30T20:15:00.000-05:002013-12-30T20:17:03.578-05:00Deceptively Destructive Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Holidays continued.....</div>
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I made it to my parent's after the worst of the ice storm. The sun actually came out and every surface shone and shimmered like I have never seen before.</div>
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I then headed into town and this was the view just down the road.....I could have taken picture after picture. It was so incredibly beautiful!</div>
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After a day of running errands, it was home to put the finishing touches on the decor...We continued with the red and white theme again this year. The piece of art is from <a href="http://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Ontario/TEESWATER/The-Garage-Home-Decor-More/4333301.html" target="_blank">The Garage</a> in Belmore as is quite a few of the other decor pieces. The plaid throw is from <a href="http://www.achesons.ca/" target="_blank">Acheson's </a>in Harriston (they also have a location in Orangeville and it is one of my favorite Home Decor stores) and the snowflake runner is from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Finishing-Touches-for-the-home/192188137514892" target="_blank">Finishing Touches</a> in Wingham.</div>
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Then...it was time to sit, relax and enjoy the tree.....</div>
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The next few photos show our Christmas Eve morning walk...it was absolutely gorgeous!</div>
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And this was sunset.....I could have sat out on the deck (if it hadn't been so chilly) and just soaked it all in!</div>
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Some other shots of nature's beauty....So beautiful, yet so very destructive!</div>
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The weather then began to warm a bit and the snow started falling....Charlie loved it and could have sat outdoors all day long!</div>
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We also had a visit from a Doe and her twin fawns.....they're getting so big!</div>
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I hope you all had a wonderful holiday surrounded by those that mean the most to you!<br />
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I would also like to say a huge, <b>"THANK YOU"</b> to all the men and women who worked over the holidays, away from their family's, to get the power back on. This icy beauty caused destruction like we haven't seen in quite some time....My 9-5 job is with a Utility and I have never been more proud of the people I work with then over this past week and a half. Thank you for all you do....<br />
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-50567682915822044362013-12-26T18:47:00.002-05:002013-12-26T20:23:44.071-05:00Holidays...<div style="text-align: justify;">
December 1st rolled around and I realized that I still had over half of my vacation days to take...so....Holidays started December 19th this year! I usually try to have most of my Christmas shopping done by the beginning of December, but, that wasn't the case this year, so I was SO GLAD to have some extra days to get caught up. </div>
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Holidays meant local shopping in downtown Guelph, out for lunches & brunches, bevies (found a new fav!), cozy nights in and time with friends...all my favourite things to do this time of year! (...any time of year really)</div>
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The holidays started like this...on the couch, with a glass of wine, candles and doing absolutely nothing but relaxing!</div>
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Then...</div>
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After an evening of relaxation, time to start wrapping! I also had a wee helper to keep my mug of coffee filled and my supplies ready at hand....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmTAO7XkiK85Kb0e12IFX9lzvdhbs0zY0rR9C6pxMdRj7Z7aSNcysRsiAtNmxoMBa3ecwaQUmmu_eOwYmMq2eY0wCU-xlZ5r4z91vRSJmbWeAS7qKFhYt6SQP5uOv6Fky75ndQ-M9OOIW/s1600/stuffed+dude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmTAO7XkiK85Kb0e12IFX9lzvdhbs0zY0rR9C6pxMdRj7Z7aSNcysRsiAtNmxoMBa3ecwaQUmmu_eOwYmMq2eY0wCU-xlZ5r4z91vRSJmbWeAS7qKFhYt6SQP5uOv6Fky75ndQ-M9OOIW/s640/stuffed+dude.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let me introduce you to....Bling Crosby!! The best Holiday Helper (aka <a href="http://www.katiemclellan.com/" target="_blank">Stuffed Dude</a>) ever!!</div>
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Then...it was time for some shopping!!</div>
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At trip downtown Guelph wouldn't be complete without a stop at <a href="http://www.blushshop.ca/" target="_blank">Blush</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxyLeEMLLb2SySVvNEiQj3PSOUZKjNHyThv90tP9h2a7ooTM_dJO_o7ht08SrZ4m4_0qIAQg1R7eqZ7FsS4SOatGpnCeNjq3NhMHkoKSRp-CmOZjnEe_PbVYPyE0mBhEsG5EpNZOpTFgm/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxyLeEMLLb2SySVvNEiQj3PSOUZKjNHyThv90tP9h2a7ooTM_dJO_o7ht08SrZ4m4_0qIAQg1R7eqZ7FsS4SOatGpnCeNjq3NhMHkoKSRp-CmOZjnEe_PbVYPyE0mBhEsG5EpNZOpTFgm/s640/photo+3+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll take one of each, please!</div>
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Then, it was off to another one of my favourite shops....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-MSHvLwzTyjR_6_YxrJB89SF9o9WCuSArCNyATJ4C9l-2cm9ggI3LI1EYXdvpuFm7DJ7cFZqSe-Me3Btgb_p6B2-Fknw2GDWCw-34OG1MzxO_HiLL5En694IieB4zQpBbn9Kad7xDb8c/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-MSHvLwzTyjR_6_YxrJB89SF9o9WCuSArCNyATJ4C9l-2cm9ggI3LI1EYXdvpuFm7DJ7cFZqSe-Me3Btgb_p6B2-Fknw2GDWCw-34OG1MzxO_HiLL5En694IieB4zQpBbn9Kad7xDb8c/s640/photo+2+(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shopcoriander.com/" target="_blank">Coriander! </a> I absolutely LOVED these home decor pieces!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d2U6YEq6YMV1pXjkudGdrjPLwcOzOT-qA0cYI2DcQlqGz5AfgUdCS3IBSkrztVLkqksd13OSfVUvK5R61SxNsHKGyKwx5cTQKLrSkms1gbz5UQFvD315p0XA-ySLpW6gI476YL8NdHuI/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d2U6YEq6YMV1pXjkudGdrjPLwcOzOT-qA0cYI2DcQlqGz5AfgUdCS3IBSkrztVLkqksd13OSfVUvK5R61SxNsHKGyKwx5cTQKLrSkms1gbz5UQFvD315p0XA-ySLpW6gI476YL8NdHuI/s640/photo+1+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This ornament...too cute!!</div>
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After all that shopping, time for some lunch!</div>
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Off we went to <a href="http://atmospherecafe.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Atmosphere</a> for an amazing salad and BLT pizza!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwYw7Uq1ppFrmd8gxw6cD052h8CQOkN64dv1NiB9k4iuZ3KN5H-ifMxetZQmLLSBH-kz8XWyyVATzuwBtC1MRCk9fbXcgnWFG3v9hOaxCjVupYiejIWuWdirBLoj7VbHxWkzzJLNwNJ4c/s1600/empty+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwYw7Uq1ppFrmd8gxw6cD052h8CQOkN64dv1NiB9k4iuZ3KN5H-ifMxetZQmLLSBH-kz8XWyyVATzuwBtC1MRCk9fbXcgnWFG3v9hOaxCjVupYiejIWuWdirBLoj7VbHxWkzzJLNwNJ4c/s640/empty+cup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then to <a href="http://sapphireguelph.ca/" target="_blank">Sapphire </a>for dessert (their homemade icecream and a brownie) and an 'adult' cappucino! <a href="http://www.eightyink.com/" target="_blank">Emily</a>, thank you sooooo much for introducing me to this! Adult = Amarula! Yum Yum Yum!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOUBzd86fAeZL665MpRPukSAP5LLrpsHA23YBNkTmHk_q6pHZRgu53yoZxyaF1Uxnvl1yQ1Z8-gea_WQgkAabFbZQXw2VHmJnoLkhIK3ICl8w1gZzWyaLFQnGCbs10echjfcpGBn3H0v9/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOUBzd86fAeZL665MpRPukSAP5LLrpsHA23YBNkTmHk_q6pHZRgu53yoZxyaF1Uxnvl1yQ1Z8-gea_WQgkAabFbZQXw2VHmJnoLkhIK3ICl8w1gZzWyaLFQnGCbs10echjfcpGBn3H0v9/s640/lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was so good, I had to go back for lunch again the next day....with magazines in tow! By the way...their sandwiches are fabtastic! (my fav is the summer sausage!)</div>
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Then back home to continue wrapping and Holiday preparations!</div>
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With plenty of coffee, espresso, Amarula on hand, I had all the necessities for a wrapping marathon! I also had Rick Grimes (of the Walking Dead) to keep me and Bling Crosby, company too! Another thanks to Emily for introducing me to that series!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlJf-ggOVrvbbuUHC3dWwQdtjcr0Nb1io93iqhzSPvA2VZ4QZ2jxegcQtfcNbT5aBnSSu09xvz6RPvwY0nqwZ-5Pit4FeM-Yf9Nuj4Y2Bd6gEUEyQEaOCsfK7I79bD_Y8xf9tYDLkUGOk/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlJf-ggOVrvbbuUHC3dWwQdtjcr0Nb1io93iqhzSPvA2VZ4QZ2jxegcQtfcNbT5aBnSSu09xvz6RPvwY0nqwZ-5Pit4FeM-Yf9Nuj4Y2Bd6gEUEyQEaOCsfK7I79bD_Y8xf9tYDLkUGOk/s640/coffee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Ready to press....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hQqtRE0fDW8j4qaC_aHQaBOLZaugtwp0_SIVrEJi0w-6jqb7B-9u4MFQpV7jALbeMiGuXAMaFOTHpU5W42ReLxwK09YPimurXhObcYjh3KLXnkpbnulcnBzaBsOsTBzRbYn_6-pEQcgA/s1600/cozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hQqtRE0fDW8j4qaC_aHQaBOLZaugtwp0_SIVrEJi0w-6jqb7B-9u4MFQpV7jALbeMiGuXAMaFOTHpU5W42ReLxwK09YPimurXhObcYjh3KLXnkpbnulcnBzaBsOsTBzRbYn_6-pEQcgA/s640/cozy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A HUGE "Thank You" to my wonderful gals pals for your generous gifts of all the holiday essentials, whether I'm snuggled up with a good book or getting ready to host some friends!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZERz0AK7qRAEVQMPYySuMR9yOXZQq5e3A_K95A2eVcOGVGXsxo50pFpYX2rYUVVSZek3pJ4ttDPw-tu7ln-ZtOOuDzjsKRnNRxxIZaFpUnTUd1vO9UIedSFrNu0s7Y2YnHYPXVYa29LnR/s1600/emily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZERz0AK7qRAEVQMPYySuMR9yOXZQq5e3A_K95A2eVcOGVGXsxo50pFpYX2rYUVVSZek3pJ4ttDPw-tu7ln-ZtOOuDzjsKRnNRxxIZaFpUnTUd1vO9UIedSFrNu0s7Y2YnHYPXVYa29LnR/s640/emily.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.eightyink.com/blog/2013/12/5/diy-stocking-stuffers-personalized-coffee-mugs" target="_blank">Emily made this mug…how wickedly awesome is that?!? </a></div>
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Then....Mother Nature decided to throw us a curve ball....a very, very icy one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9BJpEYzIryaUFY_eNiMBsvCf_ajmnGFLQaNtSt1M7D61h6szBwEAAHlEVvK3J1xacEMvjypkTlxRSAyp2HFm6g7lD_ZTKTfJRXjJtsVRBHROgkVqXbcDirM_T67ZBcrlbYBPWgdMv8GZ/s1600/icey+lilac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9BJpEYzIryaUFY_eNiMBsvCf_ajmnGFLQaNtSt1M7D61h6szBwEAAHlEVvK3J1xacEMvjypkTlxRSAyp2HFm6g7lD_ZTKTfJRXjJtsVRBHROgkVqXbcDirM_T67ZBcrlbYBPWgdMv8GZ/s640/icey+lilac.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0iyCCl_VdBM1KU1rlFQ4se1wrYM3aMSlY6XtYkCmUkLAI1lUA4TnecY5NJ4Ov7tcBMVK130FVeM4rkLd2rNjdCAV4eC4xwokWnGKJZzUVNNOCaEzP0oFM46lV4Qn5n4OPHBRK9Q_BGYX/s1600/nighttine+icey+lilac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0iyCCl_VdBM1KU1rlFQ4se1wrYM3aMSlY6XtYkCmUkLAI1lUA4TnecY5NJ4Ov7tcBMVK130FVeM4rkLd2rNjdCAV4eC4xwokWnGKJZzUVNNOCaEzP0oFM46lV4Qn5n4OPHBRK9Q_BGYX/s640/nighttine+icey+lilac.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These photos are of my lilac bush in front of my home...<br />
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This absolutely insane weather was frightening yet beautiful....picturesque yet destructive! When the weather system blew through, it brought us all out of our homes in a true sense of community....de-icing, salting, sanding...driveways, sidewalks, vehicles...all the while, laughing, telling stories and making the best of a difficult situation.<br />
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Then...after packing up my vehicle....it was time to head to my other home...Mom and Dad's in the country.<br />
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To be continued...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RR</span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-19101883114671999132013-12-17T19:11:00.001-05:002013-12-17T19:12:14.878-05:00Your journey...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We're all going in a thousand different directions during the Holiday Season, however, this year added an extra bit of hecticness....but a kind of 'hectic' that I am so very lucky and grateful to experience and have in my life! I don't 'sit still' very well and I can't say too much now, but what I can say is that I am REALLLLLY looking forward to 2014! Don't get me wrong...2013 has been a wonderful year full of many great opportunities, moments and memories which I am very thankful for...but I know 2014 is going to ROCK! The journey of my life is hitting it's stride and I'm so very excited to see where the road takes me.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVQadiBG96zo95HcLl3LeTFcPKt9ZFOgFqZZlxK6qwQCgIYKI1KxOsyRdZDK7lRyb4j-9ADy1mq_n7t4zzJOcbaFvmzMnTNZQuMMgrgXSQQLQBeNpq-uhyjzlT5ffEffEJ67sUGl55J-E/s1600/0f5140b92c86e9330ec772eb8fa25db5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVQadiBG96zo95HcLl3LeTFcPKt9ZFOgFqZZlxK6qwQCgIYKI1KxOsyRdZDK7lRyb4j-9ADy1mq_n7t4zzJOcbaFvmzMnTNZQuMMgrgXSQQLQBeNpq-uhyjzlT5ffEffEJ67sUGl55J-E/s640/0f5140b92c86e9330ec772eb8fa25db5.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Live you life for YOU...not for anyone else!</div>
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It is always okay to be YOU!</div>
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Always keep learning, set goals and reach for your dreams!</div>
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Feel good in your own skin.....</div>
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You own your life...take complete ownership of it!</div>
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Surround yourself with LOTS of good, great, amazing things....</div>
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And..........................................</div>
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As we're getting closer to the end of the year and the beginning of a new one....take a few moments in this holiday craziness to remain focused on YOU...where you have been, where you are and where you want to be!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RR</b></span></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-36914328750751392532013-12-01T12:39:00.002-05:002013-12-01T12:39:50.041-05:00Cozy, Snuggly, Warm Weekends...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy December!! </span></div>
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Snow is falling here today and after a very busy week, I'm curled up on the couch under a cozy wool blanket with a coffee and my laptop,watching the snowflakes slowly float to the ground.</div>
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I hope you are having a relaxing Sunday, all snuggled up at home.</div>
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Who can I talk to about this extra day between Saturday and Sunday??</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">RR</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**Please click on photos for credit/sources.</span></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-80130987450838851132013-11-30T10:19:00.000-05:002013-11-30T10:23:28.986-05:00Mixed Metallic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I went back and forth about how I was going to decorate my home this Christmas Season...</div>
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Black and Copper or Turquoise and Silver or Green and Gold.....I couldn't make up my mind. Then I realized there seemed to be a common trend....in every combination I was considering, I was planning on using a metallic. Soooo.......after much contemplation.....I went with MIXED METALLIC! </div>
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Bronze, Copper, Silver and Gold have been sprinkled around my home, bringing shimmer and sparkle for the Holidays! I've also mixed in natural elements such as wood, fur and pine cones for a truly Rustic Glam effect.</div>
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See below how you could win a metallic piece for your home!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zbv2V88vcMptGKnN4zOrF-giz0UCbMhi3sYFYCEtlG8vCNgn3Om4ueCDhM_4lTRywzk7QZvYhtfiHiWlQfaqH0VZN41Flx_hrQsh0ZuNqwNebQ7epkbeZEDwVXsTl8aUHGCmtTrbGDlZ/s1600/metal17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zbv2V88vcMptGKnN4zOrF-giz0UCbMhi3sYFYCEtlG8vCNgn3Om4ueCDhM_4lTRywzk7QZvYhtfiHiWlQfaqH0VZN41Flx_hrQsh0ZuNqwNebQ7epkbeZEDwVXsTl8aUHGCmtTrbGDlZ/s640/metal17.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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My home is now READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!</div>
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As a way to welcome in the Christmas and Holiday Season and to celebrate the wonderful year it has been for Rustic Retrievals, I want to help bring some metallic charm into your home!</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">TIME FOR A CONTEST!!!!</span></u></b></div>
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I'm always torn between Gold and Silver and when I saw these two pieces (Stag/Deer Decor) I was instantly drawn to them both.</div>
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The Gold Stag is more rustic traditional and I can see it in a front entry to hang keys, a purse or a scarf on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3Q8zK5Mws7iYSZ5AfS6K_DDxdto4gtUr_oQXzp6TwZZLhHb3M4j1PKnyTD0Qfk2AXYP3pKOjaUDBwhVUmuCCbCFaWsB-JjAZxawCFr1E_k4gH7KOwGf7jLdvyXi12bQVbTj-wO2kKpZf/s1600/metal4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3Q8zK5Mws7iYSZ5AfS6K_DDxdto4gtUr_oQXzp6TwZZLhHb3M4j1PKnyTD0Qfk2AXYP3pKOjaUDBwhVUmuCCbCFaWsB-JjAZxawCFr1E_k4gH7KOwGf7jLdvyXi12bQVbTj-wO2kKpZf/s640/metal4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Silver Stag is a more Rustic Modern piece and I would hang it in a bedroom and use it to hang/display pretty baubles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-b68eFVMqMWSTjFZho7cnW304OgPVrmGs6Jaeq_Kbngj2yiSFOQWYRdwLZqya4eS5QrtNk_URSCLnKWH1qF5an_MlUhaUaPUpAcstpZT5nQSkzxlUdUZLf78oIaw5nC9uBeer0hwdwrb/s1600/metal1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-b68eFVMqMWSTjFZho7cnW304OgPVrmGs6Jaeq_Kbngj2yiSFOQWYRdwLZqya4eS5QrtNk_URSCLnKWH1qF5an_MlUhaUaPUpAcstpZT5nQSkzxlUdUZLf78oIaw5nC9uBeer0hwdwrb/s640/metal1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now...here's your chance to win one of these Stags to add to your home decor!</span></b></div>
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<b>Here's what you have to do (it's super easy):</b><br />
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<b>1. "Share" this post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc with the hashtag #goldstag or #silverstag (whichever is your favourite and the one you'd like to win).</b><br />
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<b>2. Comment below, noting that you've shared this post. In your post include which Stag you'd like to win and where you'd use it in your home.</b><br />
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<b>There....that's all! Done and Done!</b><br />
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Best of luck to you all! Winners will be announced next Sunday December 8, 2013.</div>
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HAPPY HOLIDAY DECORATING!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RR</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**All photos are property of Ardis McDonald/ Rustic Retrievals</span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-91533541255662902492013-11-18T21:29:00.000-05:002013-11-18T21:29:04.518-05:00Holidays in a New Home - Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://rusticretrievals.blogspot.ca/2013/11/holidays-in-new-home-part-one.html" target="_blank">outside of my Mom and Dad's new home was decorated with care</a>....</div>
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Time to move onto the inside...</div>
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Our first Christmas after the fire was in the farmhouse my parent's were renting while they finalized plans to build this new house. I will admit...that Christmas was full of mixed emotions. We are a family of sentimentality....we had and lost over 50 years of ornaments and decorations from family and loved ones. Every year, decorating the tree turned into a walk down memory lane as we put ornaments on the tree that held such significant meaning...especially the ornaments from those loved ones we have lost. Those will never....ever.. be replaced. But..I still have the memories of decorating those trees, those ornaments and the significance they had. And...this first Christmas in the new house was a chance to start new traditions and make new memories while remembering and reminiscing about old ones.</div>
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As long as I can remember, we always had multi-coloured lights on the tree and that tradition continued in the new home. There's something so cheerful about the reds, greens and blues glistening through the branches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTudnCUdmTTkvPuzYxvg2o9iulC4PwPPERHE0Pz12lTZheVzGxAXTEeDxtyo_Q2XcElXpy8rVVXLI7tuDbdPYS9KNWCF7Tsm0rmCHVQG3Y33QHJy-OBvP55ky_lBhCgJYmtbJb7UWA8A3j/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTudnCUdmTTkvPuzYxvg2o9iulC4PwPPERHE0Pz12lTZheVzGxAXTEeDxtyo_Q2XcElXpy8rVVXLI7tuDbdPYS9KNWCF7Tsm0rmCHVQG3Y33QHJy-OBvP55ky_lBhCgJYmtbJb7UWA8A3j/s640/IMG_2679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As upsetting as it was to lose our family's ornaments, we did our best to turn that into a positive by constantly being on the search for new ones...ones that reminded us of Christmases past but also brought something new to our Holidays as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKwlcJKAjOy1gzvWvJ8oVlAsrdCOVPT5piCfBOHZVHbbPj9y39OdjVjFHDOZ2AkzRAglqjxO3SZagHECVO606MnFc8ZsfR6-VOPb6E1ARMgHPrdpcfrTm2xv1AtkI-MgN5MtR6E9KYnHg/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKwlcJKAjOy1gzvWvJ8oVlAsrdCOVPT5piCfBOHZVHbbPj9y39OdjVjFHDOZ2AkzRAglqjxO3SZagHECVO606MnFc8ZsfR6-VOPb6E1ARMgHPrdpcfrTm2xv1AtkI-MgN5MtR6E9KYnHg/s640/IMG_2682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember C.A.L.M from <a href="http://rusticretrievals.blogspot.ca/2013/06/inked.html" target="_blank">previous posts</a>..... We saw these ornaments and just had to get them (oh...and my Mom LOVES decorating with red at the Holidays too)...These were perfect for more than one reason!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6xQ2TCtJoPAfLRAFzpaaj7OnJ8ehM3bWs_8m1JwFDE_2gL4IyYKhnEyB7vYd6C3KuFnx8DSilhtTb48JTu3-5SMj48eDWY_h_TaYxkhpRxAeVZqsuZ0AU1SMbWPIkcIQPFWo-P3FHMTH/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6xQ2TCtJoPAfLRAFzpaaj7OnJ8ehM3bWs_8m1JwFDE_2gL4IyYKhnEyB7vYd6C3KuFnx8DSilhtTb48JTu3-5SMj48eDWY_h_TaYxkhpRxAeVZqsuZ0AU1SMbWPIkcIQPFWo-P3FHMTH/s640/IMG_2685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We just loved these vintage-look ornaments for the tree (they were actually gift tags that we decided to put on the tree instead). Those shimmery snowflakes were also a must have as my Mom collects snowflakes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DA9XG6ALFcoRqq8qE-PuoBojcJhzkPsteaaQV_OyrIGQ0F3TVw50iJ63tqURyzlXAwTmUtOtsL0BtgETY4LR-XVLk9XrV8pm09Fyafk6quahZHOgOJlvCK3apw8ceKqNxKmzQ6kHOfXh/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DA9XG6ALFcoRqq8qE-PuoBojcJhzkPsteaaQV_OyrIGQ0F3TVw50iJ63tqURyzlXAwTmUtOtsL0BtgETY4LR-XVLk9XrV8pm09Fyafk6quahZHOgOJlvCK3apw8ceKqNxKmzQ6kHOfXh/s640/IMG_2691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So after picking the perfect tree, hanging the lights, arranging the decorations (a few times)......VOILA!!</div>
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This is the front entry... We used a combination of red, white and grey with a piece of artwork that symbolizes our summers on Lake of the Woods. </div>
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Pinecones, painted feathers, Holiday ornaments, Christmas crackers.....they all worked together sooo well!</div>
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Another close up of the tree...I see a bit of a theme...red...white...and snowflakes.</div>
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Then there's this guy...the official Gift Guard.....with his new squeaker (he got to open a gift a wee bit early).</div>
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We then realized that we'd mayyybbbeee purchased a few too many decorations. We also decided that we wanted to keep a bit of a theme on the big tree...soooo.....I brought my smaller tree from my house and a second tree was decorated! A new tradition in the new house...2 trees!</div>
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This one had a more rustic and cottagey theme....it was covered in antlers, deer, moose, bears, plaid, fisher-snowmen, tackleboxes, burlap....This truly was for my Dad...</div>
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This guy is my favorite....Something about him reminds me of my Dad...I think it's the boots...(my Dad also collects moose)..</div>
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!</div>
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This was in a card my parent's had received from one of their friends...it just seemed so very appropriate and suited the mood perfectly! </div>
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<b><i>"Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world".</i></b></div>
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Looking back through these photos from last Christmas brought a huge smile to my face....and also a few tears. So many memories came flooding back...not just from last Christmas...but from all of them. One thing that I will always keep very close to my heart is my family....without family, for me, there would be no Holidays...no Christmas. They are what truly 'make it' for me.....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RR</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**All photos are property of Rustic Retrievals/Ardis McDonald.</span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-79125798684986379342013-11-16T20:38:00.001-05:002013-11-17T10:25:41.460-05:00Family = Friend<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">It has been said that friends are family you choose for yourself. My cousin Bradey is family that I would have chosen as my friend.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">We have lived our lives at opposite ends of the province (she's in the North - Kenora to be exact) and I'm here in the South. When we were younger, we spent our summers together at the Camp (our family cottage) on Clearwater Bay/Lake of the Woods and those are the days I will remember forever!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">From Barbies and learning how to water ski, to where we are today....we sure have come a long way and I know that if we didn't live 23 hours away from each other, we'd be a '<i>dangerous</i>' combo (in a very good way!)!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Bradey has the entrepreneurial spirit most of us only dream of. Her genuine love of life and positive outlook are infectious! And...to top it all off...she lives on a lake, in a log home her hubby built for her and her four boys...Talk about Super Mom!</span></span></span><br />
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Yes...this is her home...handcut logs, wrought iron and a bridge/walkway between the 2 upper areas/lofts.</div>
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Bradey with 3 of her 4 boys spending a day on the lake...</div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">Bradey wrote this on her FB page today and it really does give you a snapshot of the amazing woman she is....</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">1. All four of my kids have the same blood type - A+. Same as their dad, NOT same as me (I'm A-). Go figure </span><span class="_4-k1 img sp_314kar sx_3abbb2" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yI/r/akMH6WWgy9q.png); background-position: -204px -868px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #333333; display: inline-block; height: 16px; line-height: 17px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">2. My top FOUR front teeth are veneers</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">. And those of you who've been around long enough will remember the sad sad night of Pick It Up. Sigh.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 17px;"><br /><br />3. I actually don't need vodka/wine/beer to tell me I can dance. I can and do at will....just do it <span class="_4-k1 img sp_314kar sx_3abbb2" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yI/r/akMH6WWgy9q.png); background-position: -204px -868px; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></span><br /><br />4. I have started running. Again, those of you "in the know" will know this is some sort of voodoo magic. And I'm speedy <span class="_4-k1 img sp_314kar sx_3abbb2" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yI/r/akMH6WWgy9q.png); background-position: -204px -868px; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></span><br /><br />5. I graduated as an Ontario Scholar and was nominated for Valedictorian the year I graduated. Which will remain a quiet, unnamed year in history.... <span class="_4-k1 img sp_314kar sx_3abbb2" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yI/r/akMH6WWgy9q.png); background-position: -204px -868px; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></span><br /><br />6. I ALWAYS wanted 4 kids. Didn't matter what kind - despite the VAST myriad of people to assume otherwise - and I'm so blessed to have the ones I've been gifted.<br /><br />7. I have been in love with my husband since I was 17 years old.<br /><br />8. I collect aprons. Antique, vintage, new....I love aprons. And I wear them all the time <span class="_4-k1 img sp_314kar sx_3abbb2" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yI/r/akMH6WWgy9q.png); background-position: -204px -868px; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></span><br /><br />9. I am content: with my life, my family and even myself.<br /><br />10. For someone who talks a LOT, this was really a challenge. Apparently I must not talk about myself too much, because I had to THINK about most of this!!!</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Number 6, 7 and 9 bring the biggest smile to my face... she just <u><b>rocks!</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I mentioned her entrepreneurial spirit as she has/had a home based business, making amazingly delicious home-cooked meals and selling them to the local community (ie. fresh, from scratch, wholesome, yummy and ready for you when you were home from work). She has put this business on-hold for now, but she still cooks and bakes everyday for her family and the pictures she posts make my mouth water every, single time!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">There are just a few:</span></span><br />
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So if this doesn't have you salivating yet, this recipe will! </div>
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I was looking for a tried, tested and true banana muffin recipe a while back and of course I turned to Bradey. This recipe that she sent me is FABTASTIC! It turns out every time and the muffins are absolutely delicious! I took a batch into work (ie. to a group of 12 guys) and they were gone before they headed out to the field for the day.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Bradey's Banana Muffin Recipe!</span></u></b></div>
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1 3/4 cups of flour (straight white or a mix of 3/4 cup whole wheat and 1 cup white)</div>
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1tsp baking soda</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 cup butter or margarine (can also use coconut oil - <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I usually do 1/4 cup butter &1/4 cup coconut oil</span></i>)</div>
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1 1/4 cups sugar (can use all white or a mix of white and brown)</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt)</div>
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3 medium bananas</div>
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Chocolate chips, coconut...whatever extras you'd like to add</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I also put a tiny bit of vanilla extract in too </i></span></div>
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In a large bowl, whip butter/marg and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in (by hand or on low speed) sour cream and mashed up bananas. </div>
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In a separate bowl, mix all the other dry ingredients together. If you're adding choc chips or coconut, add them in with the dry ingredients.</div>
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients (by hand!) and then put into the prepared pan/muffin cups (ie. spray pans or use liners prior to adding batter).</div>
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Bake at 350 for muffins or a 9 x 13 pan or 325 for a loaf or bundt pan. Muffins or the 9 x 13 take about 25 minutes. Loaf/bundt take about 45-50. Test with a toothpick and if it's clean, you're good to go!!</div>
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There we go...I made a batch this morning and needless to say, they were breakfast (still hot, just out of the oven with the butter melting into them...yummmmm). Oh...they were lunch too!</div>
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Tomorrow is Bradey's birthday (Nov.17)...soo HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY! Cheers to another year and thank you for being the wonderful woman you are! Miss you lots and can't wait till we can get together again.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RR</span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-77882299724700419102013-11-12T20:56:00.003-05:002013-11-12T21:58:59.125-05:00Holidays in a New Home - Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Christmas was my parent's first Christmas in their new home so needless to say, I wanted it to be perfect both outside and inside!! </div>
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We have always been a family who had the perspective that less is more when it comes to decor. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep it simple....Keep it natural ...... </span></div>
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My Mom had bought these fantastic planters at a store called The Garage Home Decor in Belmore, ON (I too have a set) and as you can see, they were/are the perfect base for the holiday urns I put together for them.</div>
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I took a set of "snippers" (my technical term for branch clippers) and off to the bush I went to cut the greenery. I used a mix of cedar, spruce, pine and red willow. I even used some teasels I found on the edge of the old horse pasture. I added a little bit of shimmer with some silver accents, but other than that, the greenery was the star of the show!</div>
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The front door was flanked by the planters overflowing with natural greenery and a simple swag of greens hung from the door. We found a gorgeous antique toboggan at a local shop as well as a wooden angel (there's a story to our family and angels that I have told before but will tell again soon) to add to the decor. I had found the "Keep Calm and Carry On" mat at <a href="http://www.urbanbarn.com/" target="_blank">Urban Barn</a> and seeing as our family has also always incorporated the word 'calm' in to our day-to-day lives (<a href="http://rusticretrievals.blogspot.ca/2013/06/inked.html" target="_blank">see this post as to why</a>), it was the perfect last piece of the puzzle.</div>
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The other end of the front porch was also kept simple and natural... 2 planters full of greens, white lanterns and the seating area that stays outside 365 days a year (a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee, even after a fresh snow fall).</div>
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WELCOME!!!!<br />
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I so wish I had remembered to take a photo after it snowed...but needless to stay, it all came together so well and looked absolutely amazing with a fresh blanket of snow.....</div>
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We went back and forth about whether to put lights in the planters....but after much discussion, we decided that we liked the more rustic and again, natural, look of the planters with the outdoor sconces shining down on them. I DEFINITELY think it was the right decision!</div>
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Once I had their outdoor decor completed...it was time to put together the planters/urn inserts for my home. I had already decided on the colours I wanted to use...the bronzy coppers, shiny chocolate brown, and some shimmery, creamy ivory. I still wanted an overall rustic look, but with a little bit of glam.....</div>
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I think I succeeded with the RUSTIC GLAM effect! What do you think?</div>
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The momentum from all the creative juices that were flowing also morphed in me completing a wreath for a friend/client of mine. She always leaves it up to me with regards to style and colour scheme and I decided to keep with the Rustic Glam vibe while completing her wreath. I used a grapevine wreath as a base, added fresh greens and them some silver sparkle..Anddd....</div>
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VOILA!</div>
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Again...simple, nature and rustic...with just enough sparkle and twinkle to also say "holiday"!</div>
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As you can likely tell...I realllly enjoy decorating outdoors for the Holidays/Christmas!! (yes, that is the understatement of understatements) I would LOVE to help you with your outdoor decor...whether it's a simple swag for your door or multiple planters/urns or even an online decor consult (I just need pictures of the area you are wanting to decorate), I have sooo many ideas running through my mind that I can't wait to bring to life. Send me an email to rusticretrievals@gmail.com with what you're looking for and we can go from there.</div>
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Looking forward to hearing from you!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**All photos are the property of Rustic Retrievals**</span></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-50594660786611447042013-11-09T15:49:00.002-05:002013-11-09T15:51:55.433-05:00It's beginning to look….<div style="text-align: justify;">
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…a lot like Winter!!</div>
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I thought I would get out of the city for the weekend and go visit my parents. Who would have guessed that the next morning we'd wake up to this….</div>
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Charlie LOVES the snow (I do too) so needless to say he had a ball rolling and sliding his way around the property.</div>
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It was a heavier, wet snow that clung to the branches in all its glory…and was it ever beautiful! Talk about a perfect "Welcome to Winter".</div>
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These are trees in the back field that border the old horse pasture…the sun comes up directly behind them and their branches covered with the layer of snow were stunning!</div>
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This is the view of the front yard…the spruce trees looked like they were covered in white cotton batting.</div>
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This is the view down to the pond…..a few minutes after I took this picture a deer wandered through to add even more magic to such a gorgeous morning.</div>
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Winter perfection…one of our Maple trees looking absolutely picturesque! </div>
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All this snow has really gotten me in the holiday mood! My Mom and I just got back from shopping at some local stores in Belmore (The Garage) and Teeswater (Gay Lea) and I can say that I have a great start to my Christmas shopping!</div>
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I'm also going to take some greenery back to the city with me and get started on my urns and wreaths.</div>
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I'm taking orders again this year for urn inserts, wreaths and swags. Pricing starts at $30 for swags, $40 for wreaths and $50 for urn inserts. They can be either live/real greens or faux greenery, whichever you prefer.</div>
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Also, if you live in the West GTA, KW Region or Southwestern Ontario Region and would like some assistance with your holiday decor (both inside and outside your home), please just send me an email and I would be glad to help! I offer everything from decor consult services, to sourcing to DIY projects. </div>
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I can be contacted at rusticretrievals@gmail.com or send a message through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rustic-Retrievals/140244839370984" target="_blank">Rustic Retrievals FB page.</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">**All photos are property of Ardis McDonald - Rustic Retrievals</span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-86314132649920858982013-11-02T14:44:00.000-04:002013-11-03T09:38:04.365-05:00Boots and Blazers<div style="text-align: center;">
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Fall truly is my favorite time of year...the colors, the cooler weather, the cozy blankets....and it means it's time to break out the boots and blazers again! These 2 fashion pieces are definitely 'go-to' staples of mine... They can be dressed up or dressed down and I really can't think of two more versatile items to include in your wardrobe...except for maybe a LBD (little black dress).</div>
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<a href="http://www.fashionfreax.net/styleoverview+hot" target="_blank"><img alt=" " src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a5/d0/cc/a5d0cc2ef7cf4c744e5f6c23b271a61d.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is as about as close to 'me' as a look could get...the boots, the blazer...the scarf, the bag, jeans....My Uniform! </div>
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<a href="http://www.hellofashionblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" " height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b5/9a/b5/b59ab5bee0274a32bd34ec97f352f8c9.jpg" width="377" /></a><br />
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<img alt="leather boots brown riding boots knee high studs" src="http://picture-cdn.wheretoget.it/rqc9my-l-610x610-leather-boots-brown-riding-boots-knee-high-studs.jpg" /><br />
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<br /><a href="http://littlemissmargs.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="layers... upon layers" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/71/12/32/711232a719d644b0a8ce3894dc416ff1.jpg" width="410" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://sadiejude.tumblr.com/post/37070213331" target="_blank"><img alt="I can never decide which blazer to wear in the morning. 😕" height="400" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mefgmuADE91qgtesmo1_400.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<img alt="." height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5d/b4/25/5db4251b8345417d8976d98231389087.jpg" width="428" /><span id="goog_283048094"></span><span id="goog_283048095"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.classygirlswearpearls.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Fox clutch" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/56/28/be/5628be9898974deeb29d4529d760be8b.jpg" width="468" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.womenfashiongalaxy.com/2013/10/perfect-for-office-necklaces-white-tee.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Perfect for office necklaces, white tee, blazer and jeans" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f1/89/8d/f1898d6c86222c4cd5a47fb6bf2fe6fd.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/blazers/noveltyblazers/PRDOVR~04388/04388.jsp" target="_blank"><img alt="Women's Ludlow blazer in wool gabardine" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/04388_BK0001_m?$pdp_fs418$" /></a><br />
LOVE this blazer from<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> J Crew</a>...the cut, the length, classic black....would work in so many outfits!<br />
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*Drool* Th<span style="font-family: inherit;">ese <span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">Ailee Flat Studded Knee Boots by <a href="http://www.michaelkors.com/p/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-Ailee-Flat-Studded-Knee-Boot-BOOTS-BOOTIES/prod22290027_cat18501_cat121_/?index=30&cmCat=cat000000cat121cat18501&isEditorial=false" target="_blank">Michael Kors</a> are yummy! I seem to gravitate to this camel/caramel color when it comes to boots...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">I'm off to organize my closet and get my boots & blazers front row center!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;"><b>RR</b></span></span></div>
Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-53808111736507330912013-10-26T11:45:00.000-04:002013-10-26T11:45:03.256-04:00It's officially official….<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fall is here…...with vengeance!</span></b></div>
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Spooky Sunrises….</div>
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Turn into beautiful blue skies and sunshine...</div>
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Then sunset…The colours are spectacular!</div>
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How about some tailgating? It is football season after all! We have a full Thanksgiving dinner at the TigerCat/Argo game in Guelph Thanksgiving weekend!</div>
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Had to put the Fall photo cards up in my office….</div>
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Do you find you gravitate to 'spicier', more 'woodsy' scents this time of year? I sure do….and these candle from <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/house-and-home/gifts/mercury-3-wick-candle-kohdo/882709093183-item.html?ref=by-shop%3ahouse-and-home%3adotw-fragrance%3adotw-week-30-home-fragrance%3a13%3a" target="_blank">Chapters Indigo</a> are AMAZING! I just ordered a bunch! (They're 25% off until October 28th too!)</div>
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I headed to my parent's this weekend and was greeted with quite a snowy drive and this as I pulled in the lane way….. The Sumacs are gorgeous this time of year and just pop against the white snow!</div>
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Have a great weekend! Hope you stay warm and cosy…I'm off to make a Chai Latte…. Cheers!</div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-10534337310498602502013-10-22T20:59:00.000-04:002013-10-22T21:01:19.106-04:00Bloggers Who Brunch.. Brunch has been a bit of a theme for me as of late....I LOVE spending lazy Sunday mornings with friends over tres yummy food, great coffee and even better conversation. So...needless to say, when I got an email from <a href="http://heartheather.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a>, a fellow Guelphite who I met at <a href="http://www.blogpodium.com/" target="_blank">BlogPodium</a>, suggesting that some of us local Bloggers get together for Brunch, I was 100% in!<br />
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We met at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/39CardenStreet" target="_blank">39 Carden Street</a>, a newer bistro in downtown Guelph, across from City Hall. I had been there for dinner about a month ago with a friend and loved it, so I was realllly looking forward to having the chance to go back, but even more so, to meet the lovely ladies I had been emailing back and forth with!</div>
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As you enter 39 Carden, it literally draws you in! Their decor and atmosphere are the epitome of my ultimate decor aesthetic! It is the perfect amount of rustic... the leaded glass cupboard windows, the iron details in the table legs, the industrial bar stools, the chalkboard menu, the black harvest chairs...combined with just the right amount of polish and glam...the beautiful chandeliers, the vintage-look light fixtures,the tufted benches, mercury glass mirrors and white bistro chairs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8z_MOYFdaWUbQMvFCpoPj9FIJ-SUH3l-0pEdDsI_JVZNsgusq0STKfQs_md1ds5jSvQTWheKL-2lCdBFZ62Run45jg_qjAB7rB69S5P5f2EbstMJykBcxU94yxFmsXDvZdVCVKkG2ROm/s1600/39carden2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8z_MOYFdaWUbQMvFCpoPj9FIJ-SUH3l-0pEdDsI_JVZNsgusq0STKfQs_md1ds5jSvQTWheKL-2lCdBFZ62Run45jg_qjAB7rB69S5P5f2EbstMJykBcxU94yxFmsXDvZdVCVKkG2ROm/s640/39carden2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQDSMBKXHFfCPmSbm15WRA6BNDwJJmM2dcdKDHlEuEjKIUEHpoa3kJ_L90dBCudWkDhqFnYxldiTK2_zB8o1BX194okDcdVVR4n46JvLmKvlNoALUyOKuS2lIf0ADx4_rLYHTfkd4GRuS/s1600/39carden3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQDSMBKXHFfCPmSbm15WRA6BNDwJJmM2dcdKDHlEuEjKIUEHpoa3kJ_L90dBCudWkDhqFnYxldiTK2_zB8o1BX194okDcdVVR4n46JvLmKvlNoALUyOKuS2lIf0ADx4_rLYHTfkd4GRuS/s640/39carden3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once we all arrived, introductions had been made and we and had had a chance to `take it all in`...it was time to get down to the nitty gritty...what to order for brunch! I ended up going with the tried, tested and true....bacon and eggs (over easy)! The food...and the bottomless cup of coffee in those cobalt blue mugs, was absolutely scrumptious!</div>
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We`d settled in, food was ordered and conversation just naturally turned to learning more about eachother, chatting about some blogger `hot topics` such as Blogger vs Wordpress, Stats & Numbers but most importantly, and what I found the most interesting, was as the discussion evolved...so many similarities emerged! This is a group of women who are driven, entrepreneurial, creative, passionate, with strong opinions and we all enjoy putting our thoughts, brands and ourselves into our work and our blogs!</div>
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Here is the group of lovely #guelphblogbrunch ladies - lovely both inside and out! </div>
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<a href="http://www.heartheather.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiGHb3x6iMnp03u6OngEB8ZCiP5oJpcvyl6JROiHOg0KyHS59esZ3PLGtbtBL3ZO7pq1IXkalVMmqvXLDY5sAd8eprnMxoSmxMS17X3ROABnYulUu2FEKij0Md38haMZ0whuAuy4INHjc/s640/carden5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From left to right**:</div>
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<a href="http://heartheather.com/" target="_blank">Heather- Heart Heather</a>, <a href="http://www.bearandlionmama.com/" target="_blank">Moma Lola - Bear and Lion</a>, <a href="http://www.blushshop.ca/" target="_blank">Michele - Blushshop</a>, <a href="http://itsdilovely.com/" target="_blank">Diana - It`s Dilovely,</a> <a href="http://heatherinheels.com/" target="_blank">Heather- Heather In Heels</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rustic-Retrievals/140244839370984" target="_blank">Myself - Rustic Retrievals</a></div>
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The diversity of topics, writing styles and design of our blogs say a lot about each of us as individuals but I think you will also find that as a collective...our shared love of writing and our passions shine through!</div>
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I think we could have sat there all afternoon and kept talking, but then reality set in and it was time to pack up and get going. We all wandered around the bistro, snapping photos and admiring the decor. A <b>HUGE</b> Thank you to the staff at <a href="http://39cardenstreet.com/" target="_blank">39 Carden Street</a> for being so welcoming, the amazing service, the delicious food and for allowing us to come in and make ourselves at home!</div>
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Ironically enough, the contractor responsible for crafting, designing and pulling together 39 Carden was also there having brunch. We had a chance to meet Matt Robertson of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IronEdgeDesign?directed_target_id=0" target="_blank">Iron Edge Design</a> and he even shared with us some of his sourcing secrets!</div>
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Here`s Matt, the creative genius behind the reno of the bistro - <span style="font-size: x-small;">I think there is quite a Chris Daughtry resemblence..**</span></div>
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Thank you again to Heather for organizing this..such a wonderful idea! Thank you to 39 Carden Street for having us! And thank you to all the ladies for attending and for the chance to get to know more about each of you...I am really looking forward to next month!</div>
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Cheers to brunch, cheers to blogging and cheers to a group of inspiring women!**</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">*<a href="http://heartheather.com/" target="_blank">Photo credit to Heart Heather on ** photos</a></span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-27423085279564282702013-10-19T11:41:00.001-04:002013-10-19T12:18:10.606-04:00Integrity, Purpose and Imaginative Vision<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I'm having a <a href="http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Jerry_Maguire" target="_blank">"<i>Jerry McGuire Mission Statement</i>"</a> moment....my mind is going a mile a minute and my fingers can't keep up with all the amazing thoughts, visions and ideas flowing in my mind at this very moment!</div>
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<img alt="Cecil quote" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e6/e2/63/e6e263042c4a2c2b7977207ce281f8fe.jpg" /><br />
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<b><u>Thank you</u></b> to a dear friend for recommending this book... <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/the-fire-starter-sessions-a/9780307952103-item.html?ikwid=fire+starter+sessions&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CKig_Mubo7oCFYo65wodzVQAAA" target="_blank">The Fire Starter Sessions</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielleLaPorte" target="_blank">Danielle Laporte</a>. I haven`t been able to put it down <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/" target="_blank">since it was delivered</a>! Unbeknownst to me, I already had another book of hers, <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/style-statement-live-by-your/9780316067164-item.html?ikwid=style+statement&ikwsec=Books&gcs_requestid=0CPDj7OKbo7oCFZIO5wodczMAAA" target="_blank">Style Statement</a>, which I have kept on my bedside table for those days I needed an injection of inspiration.</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/228660.Cecil_Beaton" target="_blank">Mr. Beaton`s</a> quote and the message in these books by Ms. Laporte truly do hit home.... </div>
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The winds of change are blowing....Stay tuned...There`s MUCH more to come..<br />
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-88808958834260599762013-10-15T19:32:00.001-04:002013-10-15T19:32:53.906-04:00Morphing Mixed Medium <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MariaPezzanoStudioBoutiqueInc" target="_blank">Maria Pezzano</a> is a name synonymous for art, painting, textiles and entrepreneurship... It is also synonymous for friendship.</div>
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I was lucky enough to meet Maria and her family as they were my neighbours when I lived in my loft conversion in one of the oldest and cutest neighbourhoods in Guelph. Her smile and passion for what she does is infectious, her giving and generous nature are a rarity these days, and her talent....well, as the pictures below will attest...her talent is insurmountable!</div>
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Maria explains her artistic 'process' the best, so I will leave it to her to describe how she comes to produce these magnificent pieces....</div>
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<b><i>"The Process"</i></b></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.mariapezzano.com/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Maria Pezzano</a> creates paintings using mixed medium.</i></div>
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<i>From these paintings, she creates patterns and designs.</i></div>
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<i>These are then printed with eco-friendly pigmented inks on organic cotton sateen.</i></div>
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<i>These are then sewn into decorative cushions and duvet covers, locally.</i></div>
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<i>Maria's designs are also printed on wallpaper to compliment the soft surfaces.</i></div>
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<i>Other fabrics include: silk crepe de chine, upholstery twill, cotton linen blend, cotton silk and more.</i></div>
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Maria's ability to bring her visions to life through mixed media and to then transform these pieces of art into soft pieces of art through cushions and duvets are both inspiring and brilliant! Talk about the best of both (all) worlds!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The duvet covers are absolutely stunning...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">One of her new pieces....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Her use of colour and texture.....wow.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cushions and cushion covers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Her father was a tailor.....</span></div>
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The next time you are in Guelph, be sure to drop by Maria's boutique at 77 Suffolk St. As you step through the front door, you will be greeted with a warm 'hug' of colour, texture and vision.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV_T3R7V7uJ3Pl5HzBN7Z0V3GocycVernelgMYBDoxFm9pKTBhysITGYYHV6XecfXNc9HRJtY1yXgHsOLKMFUQK-o9uoKgreufKsdVDyX1R1Y8FNVDN5inXMEgQeDxIbq8DFCxPqATm1W/s1600/maria13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV_T3R7V7uJ3Pl5HzBN7Z0V3GocycVernelgMYBDoxFm9pKTBhysITGYYHV6XecfXNc9HRJtY1yXgHsOLKMFUQK-o9uoKgreufKsdVDyX1R1Y8FNVDN5inXMEgQeDxIbq8DFCxPqATm1W/s640/maria13.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Maria and her new Studio partner, <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Karen Whylie/Coyote Photo, will be holding Fall and Holiday Open Studios October 18 & 20 and November 23 & 24. BE SURE TO DROP BY!! Also be sure to follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/MPezzanoart" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/mariapezzanostudioboutique" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mariapezzano/pins/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MariaPezzanoStudioBoutiqueInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!</span></span><br />
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I will leave you with some more of Maria's own words...she truly does say it best..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHzrYuXO6ZA1h3CVN8A9DzmKD6TvVI0-nqoI7bxj0sawy8U9Waqnb14lGSJcmZDbNsTilYpr2DZaN0u45KPmmNQk1TWyL8WDqAedBi8kDx9U1ZkD61gLBK271EZz5eCr33t6aQyTsUC8Q/s1600/maria12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHzrYuXO6ZA1h3CVN8A9DzmKD6TvVI0-nqoI7bxj0sawy8U9Waqnb14lGSJcmZDbNsTilYpr2DZaN0u45KPmmNQk1TWyL8WDqAedBi8kDx9U1ZkD61gLBK271EZz5eCr33t6aQyTsUC8Q/s640/maria12.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RR</b></span></div>
Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-35500187254363103192013-10-13T17:03:00.001-04:002013-10-13T17:03:07.380-04:00Thank you....<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thankful.....Grateful.....Blessed.....Gratitude....</b></span></div>
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All words to describe my feelings right at this moment...but also every day.....</div>
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Thankful for drives down country lanes...</div>
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Grateful for family dinners around the table...</div>
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Blessed to be able to grow and enjoy such beautiful bounty as this...</div>
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Happy to show gratitude for each and every day....</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!</span></b></div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-13986017476928530022013-10-06T21:01:00.001-04:002013-10-06T21:01:10.626-04:00De-Clutter..Your Home and Your Life!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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As I was perusing through Facebook this morning over breakfast, I saw 2 interesting articles that seemed to go hand in hand with my weekend plans!</div>
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I held an "In-House Sale". I had meant to have a yard sale this summer and it just didn't happen. So...in to my closet and down to the basement I went. Any items I was planning on purging, I then posted in similar groups on my personal Facebook page and my friends could 'buy' them on the spot. Needless to say, it was a success! My house feels lighter already!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">These are some of the items I posted. The 3 glass sculptures/tea light holders ($6 for all 3), the chairs ($15 for the pair) and the wall mount tea light holder ($15) are still available ...let me know if you're interested!</span></div>
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When I came across the <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/" target="_blank">Style at Home</a> article on <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/organizing/organizing-ideas/25-ways-to-clear-clutter/a/29876" target="_blank">25 Ways to Clear Clutter </a> and the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/women/" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a> article on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/11/23-things-every-woman-should-stop-doing_n_3908151.html" target="_blank">23 Things Every Woman Should Stop Doing</a> ...a weekend theme was definitely emerging!</div>
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I have always been a person to surround myself with things and people I love and I encourage others to do so too! However, sometimes we surround ourselves with a bit too much. Now I'm not saying to remove all things from your life that you love, but I am suggesting you take a step back, re-evaluate and ask yourself, "When did I last use that piece of home decor?" or "My calendar is booked for the next 3 weeks, can I really fit something else in?".</div>
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These are some of my favorite, and what I feel to be most useful, tips from the Style at Home article:</div>
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<li><strong style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Identify problem areas:</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> Take "before" pictures of each room to help identify exactly what needs to be cleared away and which storage solutions might work for each space.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Organize your mind:</strong> Trying to keep the clutter under control is hard enough for even the most organized individual. Add the extra stress of life-on-the-go and it's easy to lose your mind. Keep a pocket-sized notebook handy and jot down daily to-dos, thoughts and plans. At the end of the day, revisit what you've written and organize appropriately, adding items to a grocery list or activities to a <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/shopping/great-stuff/stylish-2010-calendars/a/29001" style="color: #e16231; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">calendar</a> for example.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Baskets:</strong> Versatile and sturdy baskets can help you clear clutter on the cheap. Buy a few in the same size and colour to be displayed in multiples.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Declutter keepsakes:</strong> Artfully organize small mementoes like pictures and cards by creating a pretty wood and glass <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/accessories/how-to-create-a-romantic-bedroom/a/29250/7" style="color: #e16231; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">display box</a>. If you prefer to conceal your keepsakes, an organized file folder with appropriately labeled tabs is a handy place to keep these memories. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Donation hamper:</strong> Keep a box or bag handy and place gently used items, as you come across them, inside. When it's full, donate it! </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Multi-task cleaning:</strong> Watching TV is usually a relaxing time but who likes to sit through all those annoying commercials? Stay on top of organizing by sorting through drawers during commercial breaks. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Neat nightstand:</strong> Declare <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/organizing/organizing-ideas/clutter-hot-spots/a/884" style="color: #e16231; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">clutter hot spots</a> such as front entryways and nightstands a clutter-free zone. Limit the number of books, magazines and accessories vying for space and attention. If you don't have a nightstand with a drawer, use a basket or tray to keep organized.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b><i>AND MOST IMPORTANTLY! </i></b></span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Be realistic: </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Know your organizing style. If you're naturally tidy then a lot of hidden, compartmentalized storage and minimal displays will be right for you. If you're more comfortable living in organized chaos then don't be afraid to show off what you've got. Spend time </span><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/styling-secrets-bookshelves/a/414" style="background-color: white; color: #e16231; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">styling</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #6f6b5a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> what you've organized, getting rid of and moving things around until you're satisfied with how everything looks.</span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;">So now that I have the house under control, these are things I have to get better at saying "no" to or stop doing:</span></div>
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<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Saying “yes” to everyone else*</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Saying “no” to yourself*</strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Body-snarking -- out loud or in your own head</strong></strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feeling like an impostor when you accomplish something professionally</strong></strong></strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Holding on to regrets and guilt*</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Being in relationships for the sake of having a relationship</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Not taking advantage of your vacation days*</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Spending time with people out of obligation</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Being embarrassed about your interests</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Yes....I even *starred* some as things to REALLY focus on!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So....start tonight, start tomorrow morning....I have checked off a few things already just by holding my "In House Sale" this weekend (and it will continue this week too). I also said "Yes" to myself this weekend and did some things just for me that I really wanted to do...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">My Mom and I went to the <a href="http://www.fallhomeshow.com/FHS/EventsHome.aspx" target="_blank">Fall Home Show in Toronto</a>...there were some great booths and vendors. I stopped by the<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RusticRetrievals?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank"> Etsy</a> booth to see all the amazing wares of fellow Canadian Etsy sellers.</span></span></div>
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We also went to the <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/" target="_blank">Annie Sloan</a> booth to check out her amazing chalk paint! Can't wait to do another painting project!</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I also had the chance to have some fun and do my DIY fabric project sponsored by Tonic Living from their booth at BlogPodium. Fingers crossed I win! :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">In process.....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The finished product!!</span></div>
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I even had some time to snuggle into bed with my computer, a nice cup of tea and work on some design guides and this blog!</div>
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So I've already started de-cluttering both my home and my life. It isn't easy, but it is so worth it...even with the few things I've done so far I feel a difference! </div>
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When are you going to start??</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RR</b></span></div>
Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-46894057153577471592013-10-02T07:51:00.000-04:002013-10-02T12:46:30.008-04:00Pear Sparklers and Barn Nails...<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The crops are being harvested, the leaves are changing and the weather continues to be absolutely perfect! Why not take advantage of the sunshine, blue skies, amazing colours and warmer temperatures as we head into Fall, by hosting lunch outdoors.</div>
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I think what I like most about this piece <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/food-and-entertaining/party-planner/a-fabulous-fall-dinner/a/33366" style="font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">for Style at Home</a> by <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/food-and-entertaining/party-planner/a-fabulous-fall-dinner/a/33366" target="_blank">Event Planner and Blogger, Eden Passant</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/food-and-entertaining/party-planner/a-fabulous-fall-dinner/a/33366" target="_blank">e</a>, is how she uses the crisp, cool whites of summer side-by-side with the more tonal colours of Fall...the perfect transition!</span></span></div>
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The use of the rough and textural acorns and pine cones beside the smooth glass, Baby's Breath and pressed linens show how to still bring in the lingering bit of Summer, while welcoming in the Fall elements.</div>
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I am a BIG fan of supporting local business (if you're a regular reader of my Blog, you already know this) and am even more of a fan of planning meals around what is currently in season.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/?cm_type=gnav" target="_blank">Williams Sonoma</a> website is also one of my favorite sites for not only shopping, but recipes, entertaining tips and fantastic holiday tips like how to incorporate foods of the season into your party planning. 'Click' on the photo to review all of the amazing recipes...</div>
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Apples and pumpkins tend to be the 'big two' when it comes to Fall flavours and recipes. Personally, I really enjoy pears and thought I'd share some ideas in how to incorporate them into your Fall repertoire...<br />
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<a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/whats-in-season-now.html?cm_type=lnav" target="_blank"><img height="603" src="http://rk.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/rk/images/i/201335/0002/images/pages/whats-in-season-now/slide-pears.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This beverage would be my "transitional" drink....reminiscent of summer, but with the flavours of Fall.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/pear-sparklers.html" target="_blank">Pear Sparklers</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quick to prepare, this refreshing nonalcoholic drink is perfect for autumn gatherings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></h2>
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<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ice cubes as needed</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 to 2 cups bottled pear juice</span></span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Anjou pear for garnish</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Directions:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Place ice cubes in tall glasses. Add about 3 Tbs. pear juice to each glass and then pour in about 1/2 cup sparkling water. Slice the pear into thin wedges, garnish the glasses and serve immediately. Serves 8 to 10.</span></div>
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And this beverage would be my 'welcome to Fall' drink....the colour, the richness, the spices...It's like a warm and cozy blanket but for your taste buds.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/The-Barn-Nail.html" target="_blank">The Barn Nail</a></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Graham Case, Bar Manager and Mixologist at Blackberry Farm, loves to infuse simple syrups with herbs and spices to make his cocktails unique. The Barn Nail is one delicious example. The recipe serves one but can easily be made in a larger batch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For the spiced honey syrup:</span></h3>
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<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup (250 ml) water</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup (375 ml) honey</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup (250 g) sugar</span></span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 allspice berries </span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />1 1/2 fl. oz. (45 ml) whiskey</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 fl. oz. (15 ml) cherry liqueur</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 dashes plus 2 drops bitters</span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Orange peel for garnish</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Directions:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To make the spiced honey syrup, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine the water, honey and sugar and heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick and allspice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Strain the syrup into a container. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using. You will need 1/4 fl. oz. (7 ml) spiced honey syrup for this cocktail; refrigerate the rest for making more cocktails.<br /><br />In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, the 1/4 fl. oz. (7 ml) spiced honey syrup, the cherry liqueur and bitters. Stir until cold and pour into a tumbler. Garnish with an orange peel. Serves 1.</span></div>
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So it's official...you have no excuse but to get friends and family together, outdoors while the weather is still balmy and summer like, and have a wonderful afternoon or evening of eating, drinking, talking and laughing!</div>
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Cheers to Fall and all that it brings!</div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-77441414018666723042013-09-27T17:54:00.000-04:002013-10-13T17:04:50.470-04:00Ladies Who Lunch...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Or Brunch....or Dinner......or Breakfast...</div>
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As my last post eluded to, I am a HUGE believer in both making new relationships but also building and nurturing current and longstanding ones!</div>
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I truly do think that everyone you cross paths with, you do so for a reason. Those people that you then choose to welcome into your life open a wealth of new possibilities through whatever type of relationship may suit...professional, personal, romantic etc...</div>
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I was lucky enough to meet a <a href="http://www.blogpodium.com/blog/" target="_blank">wonderful group of women</a> this past weekend at <a href="http://www.blogpodium.com/" target="_blank">BlogPodium</a> and I wholeheartedly look forward to growing, nurturing and building those relationships/friendships.</div>
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Through social media (<a href="http://rusticretrievals.blogspot.ca/2013/09/connect-converse-collaborate.html" target="_blank">see my last post for our new FB page</a>), our blogs, get-togethers (some of us already have a brunch planned here in Guelph in October and <a href="http://www.lynneknowlton.com/category/our-treehouse/" target="_blank">I definitely think a treehouse get together is in order</a>) I am sure new friendships will develop and to say I am looking forward to it is such an understatement!</div>
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I have written previously about how important my gal pals are to me and over the past few years, they have grown dearer and dearer to my heart for so many reasons. </div>
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I truly am blessed by the wonderful women that surround me and that I am lucky enough to call friends. Whether we were on the ice together at 3 years old learning to figure skate, sitting beside each other in grade 9 homeroom, university roommates/classmates, co-workers at the same company, neighbours...the list goes on....But.. every one of those gals I cherish, adore and I truly miss their smiles/laughs/hugs when I haven't seen then as much as I would like to.</div>
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I have found that as we get older, lives get busier, families get larger, careers get more hectic....we turn to lunching, brunching, drinks, dinner etc to get together, get caught up and sit back and breath!</div>
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Whether it's around my dining room table with a stack of magazines (thank you so much again <a href="http://www.blogpodium.com/" target="_blank">BlogPodium</a>), chocolate cake (that my friend's husband made that was truly FABTASTIC!), some fruit and a latte..(and yes, this was breakfast)....it sets a mood of ease, comfort and relaxation. The minutes tick by, turning in to hours and you don't even notice it.</div>
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<i>mmmm....chocolate cake, magazines and a latte...the perfect Sunday breakfast with a gal pal!</i></div>
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I am also a HUGE fan of going out for breakfast and brunch. It is the time of day that it allows for great discussion, a relaxed environment, many cups of tea or coffee and time to just focus on the gals (note: always turn off the phones, UNLESS, there could be baby problems at home)...<br />
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<i>this is the breakfast pizza at <a href="http://www.oxguelph.com/" target="_blank">Ox in Guelph</a>...talk about the PERFECT brunch food...oh, and their lattes....TO DIE FOR!!</i><br />
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Then...there's dinner and drinks.... Really, is there anything much better than a fantastic bottle of wine, amazing food and stunning conversation! I think my friends and I have solved many of the world's problems when all of these things fall into line!<br />
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<i>note: bottle of wine, <a href="http://www.buongusto.ca/" target="_blank">amazing bar top, gorgeous stone walls, and a menu that was so yummy fantastic</a> we couldn't decide what to order. </i><br />
<i>we spent HOURS there that night my friend and I ...the setting was just perfect for great conversation and lots of laughs.</i><br />
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<i>ambiance is key too (kinda obvious, I know)....this was actually just last night and the lighting fixture and the fireplace just added the little extra "muah" to the room!</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To me, my girlfriends are like great design.....timeless, warm, welcoming, steadfast and comforting. Keeping those relationships well nurtured and strong is no different then oiling and maintaining that antique piece of furniture you love so dearly. </span></div>
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Life has thrown a lot of curve balls my way the past few years and without my friends, I don't know where I would be today! Gals...you all know who you are and I am so utterly thankful to have each and every one of you in my life!</div>
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The reason I wrote this post is because I got the sweetest and timeliest message from one of my dearest and oldest friends the other day....I literally opened it up and the tears just started flowing. She and I have spent many, many a day, night, 3am either cooking, lunching, snacking, drinking, chatting, laughing, crying....those simple times have been the best times...and her message to me reminded me of that! Thank you so much Kris...Love ya!</div>
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So....get your gals together....throw a dinner party for just the girls (or have an ice cream party where everyone comes in their comfies with a tub of ice cream, cookies, sprinkles and you make sundaes like no other), make reservations and get all dressed up and go for dinner and drinks, or all plan to meet at the local bistro for brunch and coffee (maybe a mimosa too). Keep growing those friendships....building those relationships....these women are in your life for a reason. You have welcomed them into your life...take the time to keep them there!</div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-72828201273998495732013-09-24T20:39:00.004-04:002013-09-25T18:53:15.958-04:00Connect, Converse, Collaborate<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Those three words that can be found on the cover of the <a href="http://www.blogpodium.com/" target="_blank">BlogPodium</a> Program could not sum up that day/event any more perfectly!<br />
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I am still in absolute awe after hearing <a href="http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Richardson</a> speak. To say that woman is genuine and passionate about what she does for a living and the company/brand she has built around her is the world's biggest understatement! It is very, very apparent that she has worked extremely hard to get where she is today and that every step along the way, she has gained a new piece of wisdom and taken them with her to this day. The most poignant part of her keynote for me was when she put up the email that contained the "not so nice" comments someone had sent her about her new show. She talked about relationships, about how every interaction we have is an opportunity to form a new relationship and asked us to always remember to be careful and cautious of what and how we say things to others. </div>
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<a href="http://www.margotaustin.ca/" target="_blank">Margot Austin </a>of <a href="http://houseandhome.com/" target="_blank">House and Home</a> also echoed Sarah's sentiment during the "Let's Talk: Traditional Media, New Media, Social Media" panel discussion. Margot said, "We're all running the race together and we all have our success stories".</div>
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Essentially, these two amazingly successful and driven women reminded us that at the end of the day, we're all in this together, be the better person and support those around us as it will also in turn help us as individuals. Simple, sound and sage advice from two women who would know best!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">From top to bottom (L-R): Rhonda Riche (<a href="http://covetgarden.com/" target="_blank">Covet Garden</a>), Jacquelyn Clark (<a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty Living</a>), Emma Reddington (<a href="http://www.chatelaine.com/" target="_blank">Chatelaine</a>), Margot Austin (<a href="http://houseandhome.com/" target="_blank">House and Home</a>), Leigh-Ann Allaire</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Perrault (<a href="http://www.huelala.com/" target="_blank">Hue La La</a>), Stephanie (<a href="http://apaperbuffet.com/" target="_blank">A Paper Buffet</a>), Myself, Sara (<a href="http://www.saigewisdom.ca/" target="_blank">Saige Wisdom</a>) and Sarah Richardson.</span></div>
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In addition to a room full of inspiring and lovely women, there were also some wonderful sponsors at this event and their booths just made me want to go home and get decorating!</div>
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/" target="_blank">Chapters Indigo </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanbarn.com/" target="_blank">Urban Barn</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/" target="_blank">Tonic Living</a> (this will be the fabric for my dining chairs)</div>
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<a href="http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Richardson</a>'s new fabric line with <a href="http://www.kravetcanada.com/" target="_blank">Kravet</a></div>
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Chapters Indigo, Tonic Living and the Business Card Display.</div>
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I have so many new ideas and made many notes about goal setting, prioritizing, making tough decisions, getting organized, networking, time management and leaving time for personal time. This event is really what I needed to give myself that 'push' to help me re-focus on both myself and my blog/business.</div>
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CHEERS to all of the amazing ladies (and gentlemen) I (finally) met and be sure to pop over to our new FB page...<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="entity _586o" data-fulltext="Canadian Home, Decor & Lifestyle Bloggers (The Canadian Blogging Belles)" data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Canadian Home, Decor & Lifestyle Bloggers (The Canadian Blogging Belles)" data-type="ent:group" data-uid="200744813430847" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.59375px; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/200744813430847/" target="_blank">Canadian Home, Decor & Lifestyle Bloggers (The Canadian Blogging Belles)</a></span><span data-si="true" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.59375px; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span> ...let's keep this energy alive!</span><br />
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A HUGE THANK YOU to Jennifer (<a href="http://www.ramblingrenovators.ca/" target="_blank">Rambling Renovators</a>) and her team for making this event such an overwhelming success! I can't wait till next year!!</div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-7678361757164601182013-09-19T21:11:00.001-04:002013-09-25T18:52:25.802-04:00Too Much Fun = No Rest For The Weary!<div style="text-align: center;">
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The past few weekends (and weekends still to come) have been quite busy...but in a really, really great way! There has been little rest...I am a tad bit weary..but...it is soooo worth it!</div>
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A wedding....DIY projects...a Blogger Party....too much fun!</div>
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A good friend from University got married at the <a href="http://www.ancastermill.ca/" target="_blank">Ancaster Mill</a> and friends from across the country came to attend! The venue was spectacular....the rustic charm of the Mill has been so well preserved and integrated into the modern renos that they have done. </div>
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Isn't this cake topper fun! His 2 loves...his motorcycle and his bride! Simple and beautiful table settings...that we quickly filled with an assortment of beverages.</div>
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Seeing as this was a Mill at one point in time, it was amazing to see how they incorporated the waterfalls, that would have once been for a more practical use, into the beautiful ambiance of the grounds. Thank you Dave and Monika for having me!</div>
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The next weekend, my friend <a href="http://www.mariapezzano.com/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Maria</a> texted me that she had found a great coffee table for one of my DIY projects, so I headed to her shop to pick it up.</div>
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This home is just down the street from Maria's boutique....I have 2 words for this home... </div>
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ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!</div>
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I got the table home, gave it a good sanding and a few coats of paint (I sprayed the table versus applying pain with a brush). I did have a bit of a 'hiccup' with one of the cans (the applicator broke) so the plan changed from the the table being a Satin Nickel to a Glossy Almond....</div>
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Here it is in my living room....I'm really happy with how it turned out!</div>
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I even put together a Fall center piece using last years dried Hydrangeas, a tall Crown Jar, a wire tray and some gourds ..(I even snuck in my bronze bird).</div>
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Then.....it was time to get ready for a party...a Blogger Event at <a href="http://www.blushshop.ca/" target="_blank">Blush</a> in Guelph.</div>
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Here's my #OOTD....the invitation (how gorgeous is it!) asked us to wear some sparkle....I ended up going with a dark pair of DKNY jeans, copper booties, a shimmery tank, blazer, flowy scarf (from Blush) and the amazing bracelets that came as part of the invite.</div>
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The shop looked absolutely amazing and there were so many yummy goodies to ensure we kept up our energy as we mingled, chatted and shopped. (I treated myself to the black and white geometric dress)</div>
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Hey Lovely! ... It was great to meet fellow Canadian Bloggers such as <a href="http://www.stephaniesterjovski.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie</a>, <a href="http://www.suburbanfauxpas.com/" target="_blank">Krystin</a>, and <a href="http://recreativeworks.com/" target="_blank">Renee</a>.... Make sure you have a look at <a href="http://www.blushshop.ca/blog/" target="_blank">Blush's Blog</a> to see all who attended! Michele, THANK YOU for such a fun afternoon!</div>
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Louis even joined the party! SUCH A CUTIE!!</div>
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After a super fun afternoon of meeting some great gals and some oh-so-needed retail therapy...I had to get on the road to the <a href="http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/" target="_blank">Muskokas</a> for some meetings for work the following day.</div>
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Had some sushi and Sapporo at <a href="http://www.waborasushi.com/about/" target="_blank">Wabora</a> in Bracebridge.</div>
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This was sunrise the following morning at the <a href="http://www.sherwoodinn.ca/" target="_blank">Sherwood Inn</a> where we were having our meetings...</div>
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This weekend I will be attending <a href="http://www.blogpodium.com/" target="_blank">BlogPodium</a> in Toronto...I am REALLLLY looking forward it and the opportunity to meet even more amazing bloggers that I have gotten to know through various social media sites...but can finally put faces to names!</div>
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The weekend after that I am off to <a href="http://www.alumni.westernu.ca/connect/homecoming/" target="_blank">Homecoming at Western University</a> (or, the University of Western Ontario as it was called when I attended). I try and go every year and it's always a blast!</div>
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So....looks like I won't be getting much sleep...at least for the next few weeks...but as they say, sleep is highly overrated!!</div>
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RR</div>
Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-67086969101523070742013-09-14T17:42:00.000-04:002013-09-14T17:42:16.090-04:00A New Old House...<div style="text-align: center;">
I just recently re-activated my subscription to <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a> magazine (I really have to stop moving so much...I lose track of these things and had really been missing getting this magazine every month)....</div>
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My new issue arrived and let's just say, there is a kitchen in it (an no, it's not the Kitchen of the Year..though it is fantastic too) that had me absolutely drooling (if you have the new issue...keep an eye out for the copper pots).<br />
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I also follow House Beautiful on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rustic-Retrievals/140244839370984" target="_blank">Rustic Retrievals Facebook Pag</a>e and noticed HB had posted the photo of the amazing soapstone sink in the room with the stable door (see below) and I just had to have a look at the rest of the house!<br />
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I'm sure glad I did!<br />
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<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/creating-a-new-old-house-0613?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1451_22610794#slide-1" target="_blank">The home, in Nashville Tennessee, is amazingly beautiful, airy and bright</a>.....a fluid mix of rustic charm and southern beauty.<br />
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The following are a few of my favorite rooms and needless to say, I absolutely love this home!<br />
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Whether is was the amazing fixture/s in the staircase, the numerous soapstone sinks (LOVE how they have one double as a bar cooler), the gorgeous outdoor spaces, the immense walk-in closet, the modern stone fireplace or the kitchen that just begs you to entertain in it....every photo provides wonderful inspiration and perfectly illustrates the allure of this lovely home.<br />
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RR<br />
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-35611373117142350642013-09-08T15:46:00.000-04:002013-09-08T15:46:17.768-04:00My Motto...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://substanceoverstuff.com/image/54599124358" target="_blank"><img src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/fce13d183ca1adfd86c7d3bc285767ed/tumblr_mpf3l0Yizd1qbz8c1o1_1280.jpg" /></a></div>
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RR</div>
Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210557414921732898.post-20266031555169825732013-08-31T20:50:00.000-04:002013-08-31T21:10:07.605-04:00Dear Summer.....So long for now...<div style="text-align: center;">
Another summer has flown by.... I'm literally sitting here thinking to myself.."where the heck have the past few months gone!?"....<br />
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I was sitting on the patio the other morning with a latte and a magazine, there was a slight chill in the air as black walnuts fell around me..a sure sign that Fall is well on its way.</div>
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A last 'pop' of summer colour...</div>
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One of the last bonfires....<br />
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My back deck bounty....it's harvest time!<br />
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The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippophae" target="_blank">Sea Buckthorn</a> is ready to be picked!</div>
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Even the sunsets take on a different glow at this time of year....<br />
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Sunflowers...the PERFECT Fall flower!<br />
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Beautiful bouquets at the market...perfect for a Fall table scape.</div>
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I've already started Fall wreaths for clients....let me know if you'd like me to put one together for you!</div>
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Charlie and I went for a walk this long weekend...the morning mist and colours look like Fall is just around the corner.<br />
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YEAH!! It's sweater and jeans time again! Love this ensemble from <a href="http://www.blushshop.ca/" target="_blank">Blushshop</a>!<br />
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As much as I love the long, sunny days of summer, I am ready for Fall....the cooler days/nights, the changing leaves, the bounty from the summer's growth....You'll still find me on the deck/patio/beach....I'll just have a nice warm sweater and quilt with me!<br />
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I have to say, I think Fall may be my favourite time of year!<br />
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RR<br />
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P.S. I've also 'claimed my blog..Follow my blog with Bloglovin</div>
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Rustic Retrievalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056976728083826820noreply@blogger.com0